The Word for wisdom:
Proverbs 16:5 (MSG)
God can't stomach arrogance or pretense; believe me, he'll put those upstarts in their place.
The Word for inspiration:
Psalm 145:9 (ESV)
The Lord is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made.
The Word for encouragement:
Luke 18:9 (ESV)
He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt:
My observation:
Today we complete our look at this introductory verse to the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican. In this parable Jesus gives traits of three types of people that will not get their prayers answered. We have seen in the previous two days that the self-sufficient and the self-righteous will not get their prayers answered. Today we will see that those who treat others with contempt are also included in that number.
These three attitudes of heart have no place in our hearts or in the language that we use in talking to our heavenly Father. The prayers of the arrogant will never reach the ears of our heavenly Father. He hears and blesses the humble.
James 4:6 (HCSB)
But He gives greater grace. Therefore He says: God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.
We need to be careful of how we treat others. I don't know about you but I want to avoid the things that God is opposed to, and embrace the things that he blesses. God gives grace to the humble, and that graces enables us to love others rather than looking down at them.
Romans 14:3 (HCSB)
One who eats must not look down on one who does not eat, and one who does not eat must not criticize one who does, because God has accepted him.
Romans 14:10 (HCSB)
But you, why do you criticize your brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before the tribunal of God.
My prayer:
Our Father in heaven, my dear Father, I am so thankful that you give greater grace to your needy children.
Father God, I thank you that the grace that you give is a sufficient grace, and that it is a sustaining grace. I am so thankful that I can trust in the grace of God to get me, not part of the way, but all the way through whatever trials and difficulties I may face in my earthly journey. Father, keep me humble, and always trusting in you. Grant your needy people the grace to love you, and to love others.
My song:
Let Others See Jesus in You (Click on link below to listen to this song):
http://home.fuse.net/rust/189.html
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http://www.herbcotton.org
To receive via email: Send request to me at: herb@herbcotton.org
A man's steps are established by the Lord, and He takes pleasure in his way.
Psalm 103:14 (HCSB)
For He knows what we are made of, remembering that we are dust.
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